Seychelles: President Herminie Reviews Major Development Projects During Working Visit to La Digue

Two major infrastructure projects on La Digue, valued at approximately SCR 8.9 million, have been completed, bringing improvements to coastal protection and waste management on the island. President Dr Patrick Herminie inspected both projects today, as he began his three-day working visit to the inner islands to assess progress on key developments and review plans for further investment in public infrastructure.

Accompanying the President were the Secretary of State for Lands, Housing and Infrastructure, Mr Joseph Francois; the Principal Secretary for Inner Islands Affairs and Community Delivery, Mr Denis Antat; the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA), Mr Jitesh Shah; and the District Administrator for La Digue, Ms Barbara Barallon.

The President's programme included site visits to the completed Anse Source d'Argent sea wall and landfill projects, followed by an inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of La Digue School. He was also briefed during a meeting by Mr Shah on several other ongoing and proposed developments in housing, healthcare, social welfare and public services, representing an additional investment of more than SCR 247 million.

Anse Source d'Argent Sea Wall

President Herminie began his tour with an inspection of the completed Anse Source d'Argent sea wall project, valued at SCR 2.9 million.

Completed on 2 October 2026 by Thunder Construction, the project involved the construction of new sea walls, rehabilitation of existing structures and renovation of footpaths. The works were designed to protect the coastline and existing vegetation while improving access to the beach.

La Digue Landfill Site

The President also inspected the completed landfill improvement project, valued at approximately SCR 6 million.

Completed on 30 September 2026 by Thunder Construction, the project involved the construction of a retaining wall to provide additional, more organised landfill space, improvements to accessibility around the site and the introduction of a leachate containment system to support better waste management and environmental protection.

La Digue School Reconstruction

The reconstruction of La Digue School, valued at SCR 162.5 million, is progressing, with the first phase expected to be completed in February 2028 and the entire project scheduled for July 2029.

President Herminie expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction during his visit to the site, just five months after laying the foundation stone in June this year.

The project, being undertaken by Vijay Construction, involves the complete reconstruction of the crèche, primary and secondary blocks, together with a library, multipurpose hall, laboratories, technical rooms, sports facilities and a dedicated staffroom.

The redevelopment will provide improved learning conditions for more than 500 students while replacing ageing school infrastructure, some of which dates back more than 60 years.

Financed through a loan agreement signed with the Saudi Fund for Development in October 2023, the project is being implemented in phases to minimise disruption to teaching and learning.

Briefing on Other Development Projects

During a separate meeting, SIA Chief Executive Officer Mr Jitesh Shah briefed President Herminie on the status of other infrastructure projects planned or underway on La Digue, outlining their scope, estimated costs and implementation timelines.

Affordable Housing Development

A SCR 24.5 million housing project comprising 16 residential units is scheduled for completion in April 2027.

The development, being undertaken by Thunder Construction, consists of eight two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom apartments.

The project also includes drainage improvements through the channelisation of water sources and the extension of the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) sewerage network to accommodate the development.

Mid-Range Condominium Development

A separate housing development, valued at SCR 24.95 million, will provide another 16 residential units, comprising eight two-bedroom and eight three-bedroom condominiums.

Located adjacent to the affordable housing project, the development is intended to meet the demand for mid-range housing on La Digue.

Implementation was previously delayed due to site constraints, but the contract has since been awarded to UCPS, with completion expected in December 2027.

Together, the two developments will provide 32 additional residential units for the island.

New Residential Facilities for the Elderly

Plans are progressing for the construction of 10 self-contained residential units for elderly persons, at an estimated cost of SCR 14.5 million.

The development will incorporate accessibility features in accordance with international standards to provide a more suitable living environment for elderly residents.

The project is being partly financed by PUC, which will take over the existing elderly home at L'Union Estate.

Currently at the tender stage, the development is expected to be completed in December 2027.

Renovation of the Former Logan Hospital

The former Logan Hospital is earmarked for renovation to accommodate priority government services on La Digue, at an estimated cost of SCR 7.5 million.

The project will provide approximately 660 square metres of floor space for government offices, improving access to essential public services for residents.

Renovation works will retain the existing building layout without major demolition or internal partitioning.

The Bill of Quantities is expected to be ready by the end of January 2027, with budgetary provision already made for implementation in 2027.

Proposed Clinic and Training Centre

Another proposed development involves the renovation and extension of an existing building opposite the former Logan Hospital to accommodate a M.A.T. clinic and training centre.

The estimated SCR 2.2 million project will provide additional space for the planned services through improvements to the existing structure.

The Bill of Quantities is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with implementation dependent on budget availability.

New Seychelles National Youth Council Facility

A new facility for the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), estimated at SCR 11 million, is also being planned adjacent to the former Logan Hospital.

The two-storey development will replace the former doctor's residence and provide offices, a training room and dormitory-style accommodation to support youth programmes on La Digue.

The Bill of Quantities is expected to be ready by the end of the first quarter of 2027, while implementation remains dependent on funding availability.

Continued Monitoring of Development Projects

The President's visit highlighted progress in addressing the infrastructure needs of La Digue, from completed environmental projects to ongoing investments in education and housing, alongside plans to strengthen essential public services.

The site inspections and subsequent briefing provided President Herminie with an overview of project implementation, expected completion dates and challenges that could affect delivery.

The President's three-day working visit to the inner islands continues until Saturday, 14 November.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.